IR 210 1st Edition Lecture 21 Current Lecture The foreign policy of a nation addresses itself not to the external world per se but rather to the images of the external world as promoted by a nation s leader Louis Halle The powerful do what they can and the weak suffer what they must Thucydides Taxonomy of Realism A Worldview Categoy 1 System Maintainer Realism Foundation Voices Thucydides St Augustine Machiavelli and Hobbes Look for key contributions 1 Thucydides 460 BCE classical historian Elected as a general failed at battle and became a writer of history History of the Peloponnesian War 431 404 BCE See Melian Dialogue pg 91 translated by Hobbes a human nature being what it is b Lesson of phrase human nature is fallible and we repeat mistakes a study of human nature and the behavior of states c Human behavior is guided by fear self interest honor these aspects of human nature that cause war and instability d Crisis and war happens when pure instinct biological explanations triumphs over laws politics and governance fail replaced by anarchy First to use levels of analysis Minimalist minimizes the exclusive focus on human nature as a minimalist sees state behavior shaped by internal and external factors States are confronted with external necessities systemic factors and driven by internal compulsions domestic factors that impel them to violate moral principles in foreign affairs a Very important to realism Most theorists focus on the Chapter XVII a 16th year of the war Melian Conference fate of Melos What ideas contribute to foundation of classical realist thinking a If we re friendly with other states we will be seen as weak Image is important Need to show the world that we re hard i Important of Image and integrity follow rules and expect others to also do so reciprocity b IR is a constant struggle for power Relative and absolute power Modern day neo realism c Power always wins over ethics d Security dilemma and the important of system structure balance of power i Where did the idea of the security dilemma come from ii What made war inevitable was the growth of Athenian power and the fear it cause in Sparta iii Security dilemma arms race e Importance of geopolitics land and sea power f Limits of treaties and alliances obligations g In balance of power if one power feels chance for hegemony they will go for it World War 2 h Only the weak resort to moral arguments small states as moral guides no cost for taking moral leadership i Great powers pursue only their national interests not abstractions and wishful thinking j People cannot restrain their desire for power k Self interest over common good 2 St Augustine 354 430 CE Teacher of rhetoric and follower of mani sub Christian sect Manichean view of the world good vs evil us vs them Bishop of Hippo Radical and material opposition of good and evil Oppose all evil to succeed Wrote 113 books 500 sermons and 200 letters in five areas a Roman empire and Christianity b Human nature and society c Just war comes up in Grotian perspective d Religious coercion e Church and secular world City of God sack of Rome by Goths in 410 a Imperfection is a reality in the world b War is an enduring feature of human life but also a fallen human condition we fail when we go to war fail of system and human condition c War can be justified and may be a Christian duty d Critical of human militarism e Wise men will wage just wars no wars if not just Introduces Christian pessimism Niebhur and Morgenthau a Humankind has fallen from grace b Life is a cycle of sin forgiveness shame guilt and further sin c No absolute good on Earth d Allegiance to God not state Consider the power this may give religious leaders control over meaning and thus followers 3 Machiavell 1469 1527 Maximalist focuses on human nature Fundamental realism human nature as selfish not constrained by higher moral laws Strong government to need to control human nature Core human nature Martin Wight first political advisor without ethical presuppositions Seems to have influenced advisor today So suave is deceit brought to its imagined and dear purpose that divests another of effort and makes every bitter taste sweet The Prince 1514 job re application for Medici family Discourses the First Ten Books of Levy 1531 3 factors combine to make an effective leader and shape political life opportunity ingenuity ability skill and luck The prince is often obliged in order to maintain the state to act against faith charity humanity and religion a Core assumption of realism Duality of morality b States and individuals have different standards of morality Leadership biggest challenge for a leader is to overcome any moral inhibitions that might hinder pursuit of national interest necessity not morality View of the state in the Discourses history of the Roman empire a Loved stability of Rome power to leaders good laws a constitution common religion b Blend of aristocracy and democracy but not authoritarian regimes c Well armed and prepared for war citizen army d Promises and pledges among rulers of different lands were kept only by arms e Mistrust among rulers leads to war as a constant feature of IR War and IR always prepare for war always ready to use force to gain more power a Leaders have two choices i Take initiative and wage war when you have certain advantages ii Sit back and wait to be attacked when the enemy has the advantage b No distinction between just and unjust war c Preemptive attack okay if it protects a state another state is clearly ready to attack d Preventive wars Bush doctrine launched by states against others before that state poses a real or imminent threat i Against international law e Under Machiavelli both are okay if we win enhance power f Unlike domestic politics in IR the goals are survival longevity and glory not piety virtue and a greater good g International system is governed by separate rules norms and practices h Keep citizens at home happy If Machiavelli was a political advisor today a Do not trust anyone to represent your interests you will always be deceived b Winning is everything c Deceit and cunning are essential d To maintain power you might have to use violence and act in an unethical manner e Be tough and cruel respect will follow f Always keep the majority at home happy g Demand loyalty but appoint people with diverse expertise and move them around h Know that any advice serves the interest of the messenger It is necessary for a prince wishing to hold his own to